Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 99766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 499(@200wpm)___ 399(@250wpm)___ 333(@300wpm)
“It’s better for Zella to forget about Lacey,” he says, blowing the smoke right in my face.
I start to cough, which gives me an excuse to set my glass down on the table. “Girls need their mothers.”
His jaw clenches, eyes narrowing on me. He takes another drag of his cigarette, studying me harder than before. Shit. I need to reel back so he doesn’t send me packing.
“I’m sorry,” I mutter, nearly choking on the words. “I’m not trying to be nosy. I just know I’d be sad if I didn’t have my mom.”
My answer pleases him because he relaxes. “Not every mother is cut out for parenthood. Some mothers fill their children with bullshit nonsense. Lacey liked to tell Zella lies. Promise her things that couldn’t happen.”
I have to find Lacey and help her too. It sounds like this asshole was a real peach to be around. And if I’m not mistaking the vibes he’s throwing out, he kidnapped her daughter.
I’m in deep.
No turning back now.
“I should go.” I start to rise, but his hand clamps down on my thigh.
“Stay for a bit so we can go over the rules.”
I swallow down the bile that his touch causes to rise inside of me. “Okay.”
“No boyfriends are allowed over.” He pins me with a hard stare. “No television for Zella. No computer or phone games. I don’t want her playing outside. When you’re watching her, I want her inside this house. Reading books or practicing her letters. If she misbehaves, then you’re to notify me immediately. I will punish her accordingly.”
Fuck no.
“Punish?”
He leans back on the sofa, lifting his protruding belly to show me his belt. “An ass whipping does wonders to keep a child in line.” His disgusting gaze sweeps over me. “No matter how old the child is.”
I will strangle him with that belt.
“My dad never spanked me and I turned out fine,” I bite out, unable to stop myself.
He squeezes my thigh again, hard enough I’m sure it’ll bruise. “He probably should have. Lacey would never have spoken to me at your age the way you’re speaking to me. I would have bent her over my knee and whipped her ass.”
“You’re hurting me,” I grind out.
His hold relaxes, his thumb rubbing the spot. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Sometimes I don’t know my own strength,” he says around his cigarette. “You forgive me?”
No.
Fucking never.
“I, uh, yeah. I gotta go. I told Dad I’d only be gone for a little while.” I quickly stand, putting distance between myself and this motherfucker. “I’ll see you around.”
He stubs out his cigarette in the ashtray and stands. “I’ll text you next time I need you to sit. If it’s late you can always sleep over.”
Hell to the motherfucking no.
“My dad won’t allow that,” I bite out. “But, sure, text me. Later.”
He stops me, his hand curling around my elbow. “I think this is going to be a good fit. I can tell you’re a good girl who obeys rules. Rules are very important in this house. Girls who follow them are rewarded. Those who don’t are punished.”
If only he knew how much I wanted to shove my Mace can in his face and empty it into his mouth.
“Perfect,” I blurt out. “Bye.”
He winks at me. “Bye, sweetheart.”
My skin continues to crawl long after I leave his house and am miles away from him.
What have I done?
What’s necessary.
Remember the plan, Penny. Remember the plan.
Terrence
She’s avoiding me.
I don’t understand why.
Penny is so hot and cold, keeping her emotions fiercely guarded. I want her to let me in so I can help with whatever plagues her.
“That’s it,” Carlos says. “Ten more reps.”
Sweat rolls down my temple as I lift my leg up off the table and bring it up as high as it’ll go, which isn’t far. It’s been a few days since Penny urged me to see a physical therapist again. I wasn’t happy about it, but she’s right. If I want to help her, I need to be able to help her. Something about the way those motherfuckers treated her has had my blood boiling ever since. When the time comes, I want to be able to chase after them if need be.
“I’m tapping out,” I grumble.
“I’ll assist on the rest.” Carlos holds on to my knee, keeping my leg straight, and lifts my leg at the ankle. “Tell me when.”
“When,” I grit out.
Of course he takes me just a bit further. Asshole.
“You’re done for the day. Why don’t you come back tomorrow and we’ll hit it again,” he says, grabbing my hand and helping me sit up. “Is it a date?”
I laugh. “Sadistic fuck.”
“I’ve been called worse by my ex-wife.” He winks at me. “Ice that hip tonight if it gives you trouble.”
After grabbing my bag, I hobble out of the clinic, feeling all too sore. Cal’s supposed to pick me up, but he’s nowhere to be seen. What the fuck? I shoot him a text.